SALINEVILLE – Southern Local High School students are traveling abroad as they visit European stops in Paris and Spain next spring.

Spanish Club adviser Karla Calderon said 25 students, faculty, and family members currently are taking part on March 26-April 4, 2027, in collaboration with the travel company Explorica. More signups were expected over the next few weeks but anyone in the Southern Local family still has an opportunity to register until 110 days before departure. The 10-day journey will include stops in Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris and will expose travelers to the exciting atmosphere and culture.

“As a language learner myself, I understand that when students experience firsthand how the language connects them to real people and experiences, their Spanish class becomes a real-life tool not just an academic subject,” she said.

Spanish Club members will hold fundraisers throughout the year, and plans include monthly Latin Night fajita dinners, bake sales, hot dog sales, raffles, and car washes, plus the club will seek sponsorships from county businesses.

“Our fundraisers seek to support our traveling students, each of whom has their personal fundraising page set up through Explorica. I encourage anyone who is able to donate to their page. I hope our community will show their generous support, as they have consistently done for our school district,” Calderon added.

She said students planned a trip to Costa Rica four years ago that was shelved due to COVID restrictions, but now they were looking forward to their European expedition.

“My kids are excited about practicing their Spanish in real scenarios. They are proud of the work they do in class and this experience will not only enhance their language skills, but they will get to experience the culture with their classmates. This is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of us.”